The Cotesbach Parish Plan 1 2 Index Section Page Introduction 4 Village of Cotesbach 7 Information of Those Surveyed 9 Housing and Village Development 11 Local Retail Outlets 15 The Environment 17 Why People Chose to Live in Cotesbach 19 Education 23 Leisure Activities 27 Cotesbach Church 31 Communications 33 Public Services 35 Community Services 39 Traffic and Transport 43 Young Persons Questionnaire 49 Action Point Schedule 54 Appendix 1 – Village History Appendix 2 – Ordinance Survey Map of the Parish Appendix 3 – Summary of the Data Collected 3 Key Aspects of Cotesbach The Village Sign The Water Pump View from Stile near the Church 4 VILLAGE PLAN FOR COTESBACH, LEICESTERSHIRE INTRODUCTION As residents of the parish of Cotesbach we are aware that the village is facing many challenges and changes. This is nothing new. Cotesbach has an interesting history, well documented in the Doomsday Book and in a pamphlet produced in 2000 by Richard T Oldham, a village resident, entitled “The Story of a Village”. Further research into the origins of the village and its historical events has been completed by Peter Carter and a summary of this has been set out in Appendix 1. In recent years more houses have been sold, there has been an increase in building developments and the social life within the village has reduced considerably. The nearby landfill operation has caused concern about high levels of litter, there have been unpleasant smells, sounds and flies, and there are concerns about danger from speeding traffic. The survey suggested that several residents were concerned about some unsightly areas around Cotesbach Hall and regretted the dereliction and then demolition of the Old Cottage on Main Street and its replacement with two high density properties. Despite this, our survey shows that the residents of the village overwhelmingly agree that it is generally quiet and peaceful. We describe it as small and friendly and, by and large, we do not want it to change – at least only marginally and for the better. THE PLAN This Plan is a result of our recent survey. It is our collective view about the future of our village. We note that these views will be taken into account by local authorities in their plans for the development of the village and its environment. We consider that this is better than waiting for people of influence from outside Cotesbach to decide what happens to our village. The process of preparing a Parish Plan for Cotesbach involved three public meetings. An estimated 93people attended and expressed their views on the value of engaging village residents in the writing of their own plan. The process was supported by a grant of £1,505 from the Rural Community Council/County Council and £100 from Cotesbach Parish Council. A Parish Plan working group was formed. The members of the Parish Plan Group were John McDermott, Peter Carter, Jackie Strong, Sophy Newton, John Maxey, Mel Jackson, Bernie Hedgecock, and Keith Rowe. This team, supported by the Rural Community Council (Leicestershire and Rutland), prepared a questionnaire which was distributed to all 81 homes in the parish of Cotesbach including a specific questionnaire for all young people aged 18 and under. A village walk was arranged to encourage village 5 Historical Aspects of Cotesbach St Mary’s Church The Manor House Cotesbach Hall 6 residents to look closely at their own village – its assets and its negative aspects. There is an estimated village population of 220 residents including young people. 127 questionnaires were received back, 105 from adults and 22 from young people. The information they contained was collated by a temporary paid helper and this Cotesbach village plan was constructed. The Planning Group are grateful for the help given by the Countryside Agency, Rural Community Council (Leicestershire and Rutland), Cotesbach Parish Council and the Swinford Parish Plan Group. THE VILLAGE OF COTESBACH The village lies on the north eastern slopes of the River Swift valley, one mile south of the town of Lutterworth in South Leicestershire, and is at an average elevation of 120-140 metres above sea level. Its position affords views over open countryside either side of the river’s course as it flows south towards the River Avon and eventually the River Severn. It lies along the original route of the A426 Leicester to Rugby road having been by-passed in the early 1950’s. Originally this was the main coaching highway from London to Chester via Daventry and Lutterworth. It is also bounded by the Watling Street (A5) to the south west and by the Motorway (M1) in the east... Cotesbach is a compact village consisting of one street, known as Main Street, and a small private cul-de-sac called The Precinct. The ancient heart of the village centres on three principal historic buildings, at the northern end of Main Street. These are the village church dedicated to St Mary of 14th Century origins, The Manor House built in 1620 and Cotesbach Hall built in 1700 on the site of an earlier Elizabethan property. The remainder of the village dwellings date from early Victorian times to the present day. There are currently 4 dwelling houses under construction and planning applications pending on 2 parcels of land. Almost all of the houses are now owner/occupied with a good mix of residents from young couples, families with varying ages of children, and retired persons. The village is situated in a classic English Midlands landscape of mixed arable and livestock farming, in fields marked by hedgerows over 400 years old. There are presently 2 working farms in the village and 3 outside the main area of occupation. There is a large area of land within the village envelope, at the boundary with Shawell parish, which is being quarried for sand and gravel extraction by Lafarge Aggregates. An Ordinance Survey map of the parish is attached as Appendix 2. 7 8 INFORMATION ABOUT THOSE SURVEYED The questionnaires could be answered by individuals or one questionnaire could be submitted on behalf of the household. Of the 105 who responded, 81% did so as individuals and 19% on behalf of their household. The gender of respondents was 50% male and 50% female. Reflected in the chart below is the age range of adult respondents. 18.00% 16-18 16.00% 19-24 14.00% 25-29 12.00% 30-34 10.00% 35-39 40-44 8.00% 45-49 6.00% 50-54 4.00% 55-59 2.00% 60-64 0.00% 65-69 Age ranges 70+ The text below tries to reflect the views expressed in the returned questionnaires rather than set out the statistics revealed as a result of an analysis of the replies. Occasionally figures are used to illustrate a point but all the data supporting the text is set out in Appendix 3. 9 Different Types of Housing in Cotesbach 10 HOUSING AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT Most of the comments on housing matters relate to retaining the character and size of the village. Many comments indicate that any development should be in keeping with what is already here and should not go beyond the village line into fields. An overwhelming 96% of those answering this question make it clear that they do not favour high-density housing replacing a demolished single dwelling. The idea that a housing estate, however small, might be attached to the village is a concern to many people. It would seem, therefore, that the majority of villagers would prefer to see the village retain its current character, with no more building or very restricted building within the village envelope. Only 27% of replies suggest that more housing is needed in the village. Conversely, 59% feel that no more houses are needed. When the first group were asked about the kind of development they thought might be acceptable 34% of them prefer the development of gardens (known as brown field site development). 42% prefer other site development within the village envelope and 9 % favour extending the village boundary. The comments from those who favour limited building in the village talk about “in-filling” and “sympathetic extensions”. One reply suggests the conversion of a dwelling into, or the building of, a pub. Down-sized retirement housing is mentioned as well as low-density housing suitable for first time buyers. Village residents were asked what kind of housing was needed in the future (as opposed to how they felt about the character of the village) and whether their family in particular will need housing of this type in the near future. The response was not very conclusive with the greatest preference being for a mix of housing with, as already stated, housing for the retired and bungalows featuring significantly. Given the age profile of the village, this is not surprising. Buying a house is an expensive business and so several questions were asked about the need for different types of occupancy of houses in the village other than owner occupier. The results of that survey are set out in the data files in Appendix 3 It was suggested that, to help with identifying the village line, the actual village boundary as set out in the local Structure Plan needs to be clearly defined. Also, old properties should be renovated before new ones are built and, if rented out, should be kept in good condition. Where new build or renovation takes place environmentally friendly buildings should be considered. The village has a long and illustrious history, some of which is reflected in the oldest buildings. Where houses are demolished this needs to be remembered and the past treated with respect.